So as we approach the end of the season, there is a lot of self reflection that needs to be done. We have massively underperformed on the pitch and this could be down to a number of factors. Firstly the appointment after David Moyes was never the right one but it became very apparent early on that Lopetegui wasn’t the right fit for West Ham and we struggled with players falling out with our then manager.
For me though, the damage had already started with a poor recruitment period over the summer. Aaron wan-Bissaka was the obvious exception. He and Bowen are the only players really in the squad that I would be devastated if they left and do not think we should sell at any cost.
The Defensive Dilemma and Underperforming Stars
Max Kilman is another one you could probably say deserves to stay. He’s been consistent but not as good as the early form suggested at the start of the season. This could, however, be down to having centre back partners alongside him that haven’t been able to maintain a high level of performance for 90 minutes of a match. Summerville looked good at the start of the season but obviously injuries have meant that we haven’t seen too much of him. Hopefully he will recover over the summer to be able to have a consistent new season.
It’s fair to say that Paqueta, probably down to the off the field allegations, and Kudus have not performed to the level they have been at previously and therefore I would consider their future too. If the right offer came in for the players this would enable us to add funds to the kitty and perhaps bring in more consistent performers.
Sullivan’s Return and the Transfer Strategy
It does appear we will not have much money this summer and David Sullivan has already stated that the majority of the budget will have to come from player sales. Sullivan has also reinstated himself as part of the transfer team following what he believes as disastrous spells from previous technical directors in Tim Steidten and Mario Husillos. This means that Potter and Macauley will be presented with many options from favoured agents.
As for the players likely to be sold. I think Guildo Rodriquez will go, it’s been proven that he just isn’t up to the pace of the Premier League, and hopefully he could command a fee of around £10m with a number of Spanish and South American teams looking at him. There is a possibility that we could sell Fullkrug, despite looking good in recent substitute appearances. Should we be able to recruit some of the fee we paid, I think Sullivan would entertain it given the player’s injury record. I do not believe that Carlos Soler will stay beyond his current loan either which will also free up some wages.
Contract Expiries and the Youth Solution
This freeing up of wages will also come with a number of players being out of contract at the end of the season. Danny lngs’ disastrous spell at the club will terminate when his contract is up. The other players out of contract from the senior squad are Fabianski, Coufal, Cresswell and Antonio. It appears that decisions have yet to be made on all four of those but I could see an argument for and against each player staying longer.
Reducing the age of the squad and adding much needed physicality in midfield is key, so releasing those players would certainly lower the age of the squad. Of course I’m not saying we should get rid of all but two players (Bowen and AWB) because no squad can deal with that much overhaul, but I certainly think those are the only two players we shouldn’t consider selling.
Considering Offers: From Alvarez to Todibo
I would also entertain offers for Alvarez who I think hasn’t performed to the levels expected and can be a liability. The same for Mavropanos who, despite having good periods of games, is always prone to a mistake. I’ve also not seen enough from Todibo to be confident he is the long term solution at centre back. Whilst there is an obligation to buy him and he has now met all the clauses, we could then sell him after we have bought him.
We can pad the squad out a bit with academy players. Freddie Potts, Callum Marshall and George Earthy have all had successful loan spells at decent clubs and so them and the likes of Ollie Scarles, Lewis Orford and Kaelan Casey can provide home grown depth.
Targets for the Summer Window
I think we really need to put the majority of our wage and transfer budget to the spine of the team. I would welcome a new keeper to challenge Areola for the first team shirt. James Trafford of Burnley would be an ideal recruit in my eyes. I think we need at least one, probably two top quality centre backs. We need a powerful and physical central midfielder with pace to bring a presence to the centre of the park and once more we probably need one if not two new forwards.
The club have reportedly made moves for Jonathan David and Angel Gomes who are both available on a free from French side Lille. If we can get these two deals done that would be a major step for the club as both are top players and both are available for free. We also have been linked with a number of stand out performing Championship stars. A large bulk of them play for Burnley and Sunderland so what league both those teams are in next season could prove crucial.
One thing for sure is that Potter is really going to have to recruit well. At the moment poor results have been cushioned by the statement that he needs time to bring in his own players, whilst I agree with this, I can’t help but think if we don’t start next season well with the players he has brought in then the pressure will be immediately on him from the start of the season.
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